Originally Posted by
Retro Grouch
Always shop for a bike shop first. If you should have a warranty issue, which shop would you feel most comfortable to have working for you?
Once you pick out the right shop, select a brand and style of bike they carry and at a price point you are comfortable with. Do it that way and you'll never go wrong.
Absurd.
- The odds of a warranty claim are incredibly small. Selecting a bike because you think the shop that sells it will help you on a warranty claim is fear shopping and totally irrational.
- I suggest to everyone that asks to get the bike that fits them best and has the nicest components for the price they can afford. Who sells it is almost immaterial. My wife's road bike was purchased from a shop I dont like because it fit her best and the components/price were comparable.
- If my favorite shop sells Trek and Giant, but a Specialized bike fits best in the price range I want- why would I buy a Trek or Giant?
Buy based on the bike. Then if you need a shop, go look for one you like.